Emergency Vehicles Get Better Protection by New Law

When driving on our state highways you better move to the left lane when you see the flashing lights of an police car or other emergency vehicle.  Starting in June 2011 drivers can be hit hit with a $248 fine if they don't slow down and move over before they are within 200 feet of a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.

The injuries suffered by policeman, construction workers and tow truck drivers when hit by cars traveling at freeway speeds can be catastrophic, including sever head injuries, multiple broken bones, and even death.  Giving Washington emergency workers a greater safety cushion should save lives and injuries to these highly vulnerable workers.

A few years back Scott had a client who had his truck break down on the freeway.  He was on the shoulder clearly out of traffic.  However, a driver somehow lost control of her car and slammed into the client as he stood by his car.  The client suffered a sever injury to his leg, which resulting in the amputation for his lower leg below the knee. This was a life altering Washington freeway accident that happened in a blink of the eye because of the high speeds cars travel on freeways.  

The new "Emergency Zone Law" will hopefully prevent this type of horrific injuries following on emergency workers in Washington.  You have to slow down and move over when you are 200 feet behind or in front of an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.